Building the Academy 1/350 Scale U.S.S. Indianapolis Heavy Cruiser with Eduard Photo Etch

In this video we’ll be building the 1/350 scale WWII heavy cruiser U.S.S. Indianapolis (CA-35) molded by Academy #14107 and affix the aftermarket Eduard photo etch set especially created for this kit. We’ll construct the basic model, add the photo etch, paint, detail, weather and apply rigging.
This is the 2nd ship build for the Max_Afterburner Channel in its series of amateur plastic model builds.
Extensive wreck footage of the U.S.S. Indianapolis filmed by the R/V Petrel:
/ 371910783746852
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Photo Credits:
Photographic images and film are Public Domain through the U.S. Navy and other governmental agencies
Movie Clip: from “The Navy Way” (1944) -- public domain due to copyright expiration without renewal
Music Credits:
“Anchors Away”: by United States Naval Academy Band-- free from KZbin Music Library
“Dark Drone”: by djagenet -- Creative Commons (CC0) from Fresound.org
“Emerge”: by jputman -- Creative Commons (CC0) from Fresound.org
"River Flute": by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
“Eternal Father Strong to Save”: by Midshipmen Glee Club -- free from KZbin Music Library
"Organic Meditations Three": by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
"Immersed": by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
“The Star Spangled Banner” Performed by the U.S. Navy Band - Public Domain
ERROR(s) for this video: In the facts banner, "CA" indicates CRUISER ARMORED, not Cruiser Attack.

[@andrewwash8005]

Really enjoyed this. Since the mid '90s I have had the privilege to meet the survivors on several occasions and I was part of the SeaBee team that tiled the Memorial at the north end of the canal in Indianapolis. Sometime before or during the early stages of WWII Indy received a new bell. The last time I reenlisted it was next to and to the peals of her original bell. Good memories.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Andrew, amazing! Thanks for the stories, let them know we're very proud of them. Thank you for your service, sir!

[@dannymiller3315]

@Tiger Cub sorry he died war is terrible

[@caesarillion]

This was my dad's ship. "44 months in the Pacific." RIP Captain A. W. Venne Jr. 1980. I think war is not really fun. Thanks for the great build. Amazing skill and dedication there. Live 100 years, Thailand Paul L. Venne.

[@williammullenholz431]

Amazing! Outstanding history lesson and build. Indy native; proud always; will never forget.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks William! My Dad grew up in Indiana (and me for a little while) 😛

[@franktn001]

I grew up in early 60"s two houses from a man named Hurbert Rowden. I didn't learn until 90's he was one of the saved. Your build helped me see the ship which is better than photos. He passed away less than 10 years ago. His wife is still living in an assisted living and her and my mom talk weekly.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Franklin, thanks for passing that story on.

[@g.oliverburnssr.8115]

This was one of the best informational videos and tutorials I've ever seen !!! Great work Loved it !!!!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks so very much G. Oliver Burns, Sr. ! 😀

[@chellej911]

Great work! You make working with photo etch look so easy, but I know better. Thank you sir!

[@dogsbd]

My fathers cousin Radioman 2nd Arthur Cecil Trotter was lost in the sinking of Indianapolis. I was named in his memory. Several years ago a good friend of mine purchased the Academy 1/350 scale Indianapolis kit for me, I have been holding off building until I had more time and the resources to do it right using PE etc. Thanks for this video guide and most especially for the intro remembering the men of the Indy Maru. There is only one survivor left alive now: 96 year old, as of this posting, Harold Bray.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi dogsbd, it's a sad and tragic chapter in history and not to be forgotten! Thanks for sharing and all the best on your Indy build! 🙂

[@ThatGuy-vw6gc]

This is what I find to be the best looking combatant ship. It has massive guns, four large turbine propellers and the iconic double bridge.

[@ntvtxn62]

I believe that’s it. One bright point is that high school student that lived up there asked questions and was leading figure in getting the Captain’s name cleared. That and navy vessels now have ETAs and vessels are called/ looked for if a vessel misses its ETA.

[@mightylonesome9426]

I took my son to downtown Indy during their annual USS Indy survivors reunion. We actually got to meet and speak with a couple of them. We were both in awe and filled with an overwhelming sense of pride just being around these men. They are heroes in every sense of the word.

[@MaxAfterburner]

🗽

[@earnierosenow9834]

having a relative who was lost on this ship , thank you for her history lesson , ive always known about her, and your narrative tells her story, thank you, sfc earnie, desert sheild/ desert storm

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks for your service Earnie 🙂

[@czarpeppers6250]

Great build, and I loved how you including the history of the vessel over the course of the video.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks CzarPeppers, the ship had a lot of history behind it even before the sinking.

[@outfield1988]

And a great tribute to the ship and the brave men. I read the box and it is awesome.

[@martinthwaites2432]

I've just started watching your videos, loads to catch up on. I must say so far I find them inspiring, keep up the good work.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Martin, I hope you enjoy them all 😇

[@michaelevans205]

Oh gosh. Thanks for this video build. At 59 years of age I have returned to my old passion for scale modelling and have so far failed utterly to pluck up courage to start work on my Zvezda Varyag plus photoetch. Your video has given me fresh hope to have a go; fiddly, time consuming but doable - photoetch looks a possibility after all! Your presentation of the Indianapolis story was excellent and moving; I did not know that Captain McVay had commited suicide. I was also struck by the similarities (although there are many differences), with the loss of HMS Glorious. Only 40 men survived from a crew of 1200 primarily because it took the Admiralty several days to realise that they were short one aircraft carrier. Subscribed!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Michael, and Good Luck-- you can do it! 😊

[@wadesplacejones4577]

This is the best model build video that I've seen so far on KZbin. I'm retired military navy and air force, and I want to thank you for the respect you showed for the crew and their gallant ship! You built a beautiful model, I look forward to more of your videos, and again thank you.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks so much Frederick! 😃

[@kapahuludude66]

Well done...I built the AFV club 1/350 I-58 and now this inspires me to want to build the Indy to go along with my IJN I-58.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Kenneth, thanks and good luck should you decide to build the Indy 😉

[@mig-ij6mg]

Sorry cant stop noticing about the rainstorm, just perfect

[@MaxAfterburner]

⛈️⛈️😉⛈️⛈️

[@jeffamos9854]

Hats off to you for creating this modeling video. Interesting history of this ship. Mellow music. Going to look further into ships history.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Jeff, glad you found it interesting 😃

[@perrylamb6286]

Stunning work. I appreciate the history lesson during your video.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Perry, I'm glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@Masted-dy7xl]

The men from the Indianapolis are heroes! Realising they were the sole reason the Second World War came to an end! They saved countless more lives

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Masted 2323, so much loss and sacrifice experienced by our veterans and of our allies. 🌎🌍🌏

[@619sdbdub]

I have a "in-process" model of the Indianapolis...as a former USN Quartermaster - you will never find anything shiny on the outside of the ship except from the ships bell and the fire hose nozzles that would be on the "fairweather" decks or outside the skin of the ship (at least in the 1990's Navy). The interpretation is very beautiful though. Considering that most of the larger warships in that era had teak decks the grey you showed was completely off. I saw a video of the ship, although grainy, to proving that. What I had problems with is that the videos of most USN ships, on KZbin, made them look blue. It could be the film at that time. I'm not talented enough to do the "Dazzle" paint scheme and have yet to see any pictures of CA-35 with that. I haven't touched my half-done model in 3 years but I'm glad to find inspiration from you. My kit did not have the etched metal, but seeing your video has invigorated me. This ship is beautiful and while serving on active duty I was able to visit Tinian Island during a muti-national exercise in 1999. Additionally, my grandfather's ship, USS California BB-44, provided "softening" on the SE section of the island before the Marines went ashore during WW2.

[@bradlavassaur8265]

Very beautiful!! My father was stationed on the U.S.S. MINNEAPOLIS. The same class heavy cruiser. Thank you for sharing. Awesome job on the biuld.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Brad, thanks for commenting on the build and I'm glad you liked it. 😊

[@alexandrlarson7252]

I love your 1/350 videos. Please keep making them as you’re the only good KZbin channel who makes more than one 1/350 scale ship. It would be an awesome series!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Alexandr 🙂

[@kevintyler7900]

I love you videos. Not only are they good to watch but the history reseach and background information is wonderful. Many thanks

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks kindly Kevin 🙂

[@MrCarsdude]

I've always wanted to build a model of the OK Indy, since in from Indianapolis. Love it!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Ahoy, matey! ⚓ 🚢 ⚓

[@JuanGarcia-up2gz]

outstanding job build

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thank you Juan 🙂

[@voodoonights1671]

Loved this and, as always on your videos, the history and back story you provide.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks VooDoo Nights, always great to hear from you!

[@jrkim2731]

Great job! Good to see WWII battleship and I also like recent Academy kits. Hope to see you build an aircraft carrier someday. Thanks for nice video!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks JR Kim 🙂

[@JackFlemingFan1]

Excellent video & job building and painting your Academy 1/350 scale U.S.S. Indianapolis Heavy Cruiser too!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@abjectt5440]

Amazing attention to detail. You're really dedicated.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Victor T., a lot of intricate work at times for sure 😲

[@charlesstephens2651]

*standing ovation* Outstanding!!!! You done justice to the Indianapolis!!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Charles, thanks for the very kind and generous comments! 😊

[@danielwebb9306]

Great job that was awesome to watch from start to finish that ship is to my favorite ship. Keep up the great work I like watching you build some really nice kits

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks so much Daniel 🙂

[@VonDrinkoften]

Awesome subject (I'd never have guessed it) and a fascinating build. You've got sharp eyes and a steady hand. What a fantastic result!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks James C!

[@csnocke5]

A great tribute to a great ship

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Island boy, thanks, I'm glad you liked it! 😃

[@LSCModels]

Great editing and explanation on the history of your ship builds.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hello LSCModels, glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@LSCModels]

@@MaxAfterburner Just out of curiosity, why do you paint the hull black before you spray the other colors? Are you trying to get a deeper looking finish with the red and grey? Cuz it looks good, Regards.

[@abeleski]

Great build and love the video editing and information provided about the subject. Extra like for adding the storm/rain background towards end of video. So relaxing . Wish i had your skill to build my own.

[@MaxAfterburner]

You can do it! 🙂

[@abeleski]

@@MaxAfterburner i have tried and failed enough times😕

[@leor2830]

Excellent work!!!!!!!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Leo R ! 🚢

[@ModelMinutes]

Looks awesome 😎

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Model Minutes! 😊

[@robw3027]

Excellent.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Rob W, many thanks for the comment!

[@arohk1579]

Very cool build, love the upgrade kit details as well. It was a very tragic event, and shows what I'm sure many men experienced after their ship or plane went down. From all I seen and read the USS Indianapolis was more of a tragedy as only Captain McVay was held at fault, even Mochitsura Hashimoto the Commander of the sub said the zig zag maneuver would have not helped. This unfortunately happens a lot in WW2 and now thanks to thing's being declassified the real truth can be told, to late for some of these brave people but at least the families can feel better.

[@jamesmattoon1559]

Informative and a great build!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi James, glad you enjoyed it 😃

[@PirateWorld1]

Amazing job

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks so very much PirateWorld 😃

[@outfield1988]

Wow world class build

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Roy 🚢

[@paulmoore5401]

Very interesting and informative. Thank you.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Paul, most glad you enjoyed it! 😃

[@The_last_prime]

Amazing

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Sem, glad you liked it 😃

[@cs8862]

Beautiful Model as always my friend!!!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Carlos, thanks! 🙂

[@robbo1068]

Absolutely beautiful build.....enjoyed the whole process....build, paint but especially loved the photo-etch and the story behind the model. Great job as always and an inspiration for me as I have the same model which I will attempt some time soon (but nowhere as near fantastic as yours!!) Look forward to what's next on your bench 👍

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Robert, and good luck with the build! 🙂

[@petermoscone3115]

great job, supurb PE work, another wonderful build and video as always, favorite modeler on youtube..

[@MaxAfterburner]

Gosh, thanks Peter! 😀

[@Yaris510]

Thank you for posting this build video, Max; which is remarkable in several respects: (a) you've obviously done an impressive amount of research (I didn't know, for instance, that Hashimoto, the Japanese sub commander who sank the Indianapolis, wrote in support of Captain McVay III [i.e. when the latter was being impugned for recklessness]); (b) your comments are (uniquely, in my experience) literate and competently written (i.e. every other KZbin build that I've watched is peppered with grammatical and spelling errors); (c) the build itself is meticulously detailed, so that not a single step of this complicated process is omitted (you're 100% right, by the way, to insist on PE - photo etching represents a vast improvement over the plastic originals). Thank you again. Keep up the amazing modelling!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks so very much! 🙂

[@zakazfajcit1314]

Thank you for this video!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Zákaz Fajcit!, you're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@ntvtxn62]

The Indianapolis got off an SOS before sinking but couldn’t get off an authentication because she went down too quickly. The SOS was heard and 2 tugs set out only to be recalled by the base CO (who was at a party the night before) returned the next day. Had those tugs arrived more crew could’ve been saved. The Indy CO committed suicide because of his felt guilt and hate mail from families of those that died- due to Inquiry verdict. A really sad book but well worth a read. Good model build.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi ntvtxn62, if you mean the book "In Harm's Way" by Doug Stanton, I do have a copy and have read it. It is such a tragically rich story and so unimaginable that any of the survivors could go on afterwards. 😞

[@eric24567]

this is an absolute beauty!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks a lot eric24567 🙂

[@eric24567]

don't take me too seriously since I've no clue about editing. but maybe put the facts up when you're painting instead of building/installing photo etched parts? i find myself having to pause the video several times because i find both very interesting but my eyes can only do so much

[@JuanGarcia-up2gz]

outstanding work great detail keep up the good work

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thank you Juan 😃

[@JackFlemingFan1]

Excellent video & job building your Academy U.S.S. Indianapolis!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks very much JackFlemingFan 😊

[@driftsyurcus8550]

You are one skilled person

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thank you Silver_Wings_ 😉

[@DUCKDODGERS1701]

Art in motion.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Sonic Duck, hard to starboard! 😃

[@justinhall3243]

My grandfather served on that ship. Thankfully he was not onboard in 1945. He had luckily been transferred to the USS Lexington CV-2 in 1942 and yes he survived Coral Sea as I am here typing this. :)

[@MaxAfterburner]

Wow, I'm afraid to ask what his third assignment was -- the USS Yorktown? 😮

[@justinhall3243]

@@MaxAfterburner No, he was never stationed on a ship after that. He was burned by a fire on Lex and earned a purple heart. After that he was sent to Guadalcanal where he got shot and earned his second purple heart. After that Uncle Sam said you have done enough and he went home sometime in early 43.

[@Nbwest609]

That's a nice looking ship. I know how much patience is required for 1/350 scale ships, but it can be worth when you see it finished.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Definitely more time consuming than a model aircraft build for sure 🙂

[@hevendor958]

i gotta say this is a beautiful build of the USS Indianapolis

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Noelle, appreciated 😊

[@J.A.Hansen]

exellent work👌

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Jochen Amos Hansen 😃

[@Dynasty0612]

I just teared up while reading the history texts you included

[@jcwoodman5285]

Awesome 🤗 I'm using a blued wood deck set on mine... Made deck masking alot simpler🤗

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks JC Woodman! I didn't know there was a deck set out there.

[@danielbritton8588]

AAAAaaaahhhhhh! Small parts up the whazoo!

[@TALISMAN7690]

And a lot of the small parts are fragile too

[@stevie65able]

Tom, I feel this build demonstrates the fact that your model building has gone up another notch. Outstanding. You seem to have a great affinity for building ship models. No doubt the "experts" will be gnashing teeth and pulling hair over your non-use of specialised modelling tools! A beautiful tribute to the men who served on this ship.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks so much, Stephen! 😀

[@stevie65able]

@@MaxAfterburner You're welcome.

[@putuplasts7940]

I would put 2 likes to this build if there would be such possibility, just because of that mast and radar! All those tiny PE parts, I'm in awe!!!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks, it was quite an operation 😬

[@historyinscale8784]

Amazing Video!!!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks History In Scale, glad you enjoyed it! 😃

[@aragont33]

Magnifique travaille .

[@MaxAfterburner]

Merci beaucoup 🙂

[@joseasdrubalquiros72]

Great work. As usual.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi José Asdrúbal Quirós, thank you! Glad you liked this heavy cruiser 😃

[@joseasdrubalquiros72]

@@MaxAfterburner . You 're welcome. You are truly a master.

[@DoItYourself-DIY]

nice ship

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks 😃

[@tpbbuzzelli1327]

Now that’s some details

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi TPB Buzzelli, one practically has to have the steady hands of a vascular surgeon using an electron microscope!

[@tpbbuzzelli1327]

Max_Afterburner Iam 66yrs old now , at one time I did , after my cancer Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and all the treatment I have lost a lot of feeling in my hands and fingers . But this does not stop me from doing things I enjoy doing , I just keep at it .

[@spamfiend]

Great build and I love the history details throughout. New subscriber from today!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Peter, welcome aboard! 😊

[@tranduy7553]

Very love it👍🏻

[@outfield1988]

Would love to see a more detailed video as it is still amazing

[@ethansoblotne4281]

I just watched uss Indianapolis: men of courage and I immediately came to this video, one song that I think of is the 1917 movie version of I am a poor wandering stranger. 10/10 build

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Ethan, thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it! 😃

[@ulinegron1831]

Nice 👍 work 👏👏👏👏

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thank you uli negron! Cheers! 😊

[@chzuniga1]

Impresionante trabajo felicitaciones

[@MaxAfterburner]

Gracias chzuniga1 🙂

[@jaanikaapa6925]

When picking your next project, consider a Sopwith Camel or the Dreidecker/triplane... But made of balsa or such with actual cloth skin. Kind of like building a tall ship. :)

[@madazza72]

Awesome work mate love your videos

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks very much Aaron! 😇

[@andrewwash8005]

As a SeaBee I was able to meet the survivors of the Indy and I also helped with work on the memorial in Indianapolis, north end of the canal.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Andrew, thanks for your service and also for your work on the memorial! The sinking was a particularly nightmarish event that should always be remembered. 🙏

[@kyawnaing65]

great model.keep it up.I am your big fan

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Kyaw!

[@mustangbob51]

max you must be a masochist to do all that photoetch but what a masterpiece!!! bravo sir. keep up the great work that you are doing!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks, PE is great for models, but hard on the temperament!

[@panzerpete4389]

Vers nice build thanks she looks good

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks so much, Panzer Pete! 😃

[@vampirelord1001]

Awesome I've got a model kit of the USS Ranger that my grandfather had but never worked on but once my other grandfather and I finish that kit might as well make the Indianapolis the next one

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Brian, that sounds great and I'm glad you're sharing the hobby with family! You'll have your own fleet soon 😊

[@vampirelord1001]

Thnx I have a Trumpeter USS Indianapolis model kit on the way

[@international390057]

Exelente trabajo,

[@MaxAfterburner]

Gracias international390057!

[@lehagusev583]

Приветствую! Потрясающая работа! Просто великолепно!!!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Еще раз спасибо, друг!

[@foabmoab]

Nice work, Max ^-^

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks again Foab Moab 😉

[@mk84boom]

awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi John, thanks much!!😃

[@tanitatt]

if you go to an arts and craft store, they sell sticks with wax on the tips specifically for use in bead work ... they work really well for picking up small PE stuff like you were doing with stick and putty.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Great tip, thanks tanitatt 😊

[@vought19]

I Believe CA stands for Cruiser-Armoured so a "heavy cruiser" designation, "attack cruiser" was never a thing. I really enjoyed watching your build, so much excellent PE work, and great historical value! Great vid!

[@MaxAfterburner]

I believe you are correct, I went with the first thing I found in reading. 🤔

[@robbeale6523]

Fabulous inspiration, but the photo etch frightens the life out if me.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Rob, the photo etch on this one was a bit difficult in areas for sure!

[@robbeale6523]

Max_Afterburner I have received my kit today it also has the Japanese submarine in the kit, I will be continuously returning to your video for advice and inspiration.

[@fabiosilva3799]

A true work of art ... congratulations !!!! Please ... USS Nimitz

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Fábio, thanks much, I'm happy you liked this ship build!

[@troyt6864]

Just ordered this kit on Amazon. Looks like a great kit. Hope to get simular results.

[@rocketassistedgoat1079]

I have it too. You'll need some aftermarket photoetch; I'm going for the Pontos, but there's a fair bit of choice out there. Eduard; are always good.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi MOBAT_Steeler76, I'm glad that this preview has provided some interest in the kit for you. Good luck and have fun! 😃

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Rocketassistedgoat (what an imaginative handle 😉), yes, the Pontos PE set is also a good choice for sure!

[@EltonMcManus]

First time commenting. Love the videos, I enjoy the builds and information during.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it Elton 🙂

[@antoniodellaragione6091]

Semplicemente STUPENDA 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@MaxAfterburner]

Grazie, Antonio! 😄

[@boomerdiorama]

You use the airbrush well . . .Obiwan. Emphasis on light and shadow is the way of the force.

[@MaxAfterburner]

When I left you, I was but the learner. Now, I am the Master. 😛

[@Bowie525]

Good looking kit ^^, I enjoyed watching you build it, I get one on the 13-14 of October, I hope I can make just as good as yours, but I don’t have brass detail sadly

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Blue The Furry, it's a decent kit and you shouldn't have too many problems with it. Have fun! 🙂

[@greencodm6877]

I love the music.

[@MaxAfterburner]

😄

[@Fizwalker]

Slight correction; the designation CA between 1921 and 1931 meant the ship was an Armored Cruiser, and after the London Naval treaty that differentiated light cruisers and heavy cruisers, CA became the designation for Heavy Cruisers. (CL refers to Light Cruisers) The Attack designation came into use in regards to aircraft carriers after 1952 and stopped being used in 1975 when it was merged with CV (CVAN merging with CVN).

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Fizwalker, you are correct. I'm used to "attack" when dealing with aircraft designations, so when I read it represented incorrectly in one place, I naturally accepted it. 🤔

[@fanta_k1982]

ohh men tooo beautiful

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Fanta_K 🙂

[@rogerhuber3133]

Thank you for a great and informative step-by-step and the history of this beautiful ship. I build model trains but have just purchased this kit and the PE detail kit too. Do you have a recommendation for the rails? What's the purpose of painting everything black first? Your video has really inspired me to get started on my kit. Many thanks! Great work!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Roger, thanks 😉. Eduard does have a specific set of rails for Academy's Indianapolis kit, or you can purchase a generic set of 1/350 scale rails. The black paint serves as a primer coat, but it also helps give the model some scale by creating false shadows as you airbrush the color coats since most large objects are not evenly lit in real life scale. Also, you'll note on the lower hull, the uneven coat in combination with the black gives the appearance of wear as the ship's paint is eroded and fades from the seawater exposure.

[@rikkicampos8873]

Black was used here for high lite, shadow effect, on ships whole and parts, I use rust paint let it dry real good , then apply the reguired naval paint color over it, then just before it dries, lightly dry brush the edges so the rust shows. then ink wash when done. On model planes for wear, try bright silver first then over it when good and dry, with required plane color, then when almost dry, use stiff dry brush and lightly peck, scrape front too rear, on "all" face edges and of cowlings, lightly brush heads of rivets, fasteners around canopy and on wings, sides until silver paint shows. Hope this might give you some helpful ideas